Ford Explorer 4X4 SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The Ford Explorer 4X4 is a mid-sized SUV and an updated design from a body-on-frame construction to a unibody architecture that gives the vehicle more dynamics like a car and better space efficiency. Its drive has thereby improved as well as comfort for the passengers on the inside. A third row seat can accommodate up to seven passengers.
Standard features of the Ford Explorer 4X4 include front bucket seats made of cloth with a manual lumbar adjustment for the driver, air-conditioning, second row seats that recline, remote keyless entry, power windows, trip computer, audio system with AM/FM radio and a CD/MP3 player, one piece lift gate with a rear window that can flip open independently, third row of seats that fold manually or by power, fog lights, painted aluminum wheels, and power exterior mirrors that can fold away.
Options for the Ford Explorer 4X4 come in a variety of packages that include leather upholstery, automatic headlights and auto-dimming rearview mirror, power moon roof, tow package, power adjustable pedals, air conditioning in the rear, remote engine start, steering wheel wrapped in leather with cruise and audio controls, navigation system that is voice activated, audio system with a six-disc CD player and MP3 player, fixed running boards, front seats that are heated, driver seat with ten power adjustments, roof rail crossbars, four-bucket seat configuration with captain's chairs in the second row and special exterior trims that include a chrome grille, and unique front and rear fasciae.
Specs:
The standard engine in the Ford Explorer 4X4 is a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine V6 that can produce 290 horsepower with cast iron block and alloy cylinder heads. The vehicle comes standard with a five-speed automatic overdrive transmission and a towing capacity of 5,395 pounds. Fuel economy for the Ford Explorer 4X4 is 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
The interior of the Ford Explorer 4X4 is covered with dark wood accents and graphics accented with both shiny and matte metal surrounds. The use of such metallic trim is not overdone. The seats are supportive and comfortable with the optional captain's chairs providing greater comfort than the fold down bench seats. The latter are more appropriate where greater cargo space is needed. The third row of seats is also comfortable and can be folded down either manually or by power.
Cargo capacity for the Ford Explorer 4X4 starts at 13.6 cubic feet when all the seats are up, then expands to 43.9 cubic feet as the third row of seats is folded down and up to 83.7 cubic feet when the second row of seats is also folded down.
Driving the Ford Explorer 4X4 is a pleasurable experience as the suspension is yielding thereby providing a smooth ride on rough roads. The chassis is about 63 percent stiffer than previous models so handling is crisp and body roll is minimal, with the feeling that the vehicle is firmly planted on the road. The cabin is also quiet, even when the air conditioning is running, and occupants are insulated from noise and vibration, with the tires running smoothly and quietly.
Standard features of the Ford Explorer 4X4 include front bucket seats made of cloth with a manual lumbar adjustment for the driver, air-conditioning, second row seats that recline, remote keyless entry, power windows, trip computer, audio system with AM/FM radio and a CD/MP3 player, one piece lift gate with a rear window that can flip open independently, third row of seats that fold manually or by power, fog lights, painted aluminum wheels, and power exterior mirrors that can fold away.
Options for the Ford Explorer 4X4 come in a variety of packages that include leather upholstery, automatic headlights and auto-dimming rearview mirror, power moon roof, tow package, power adjustable pedals, air conditioning in the rear, remote engine start, steering wheel wrapped in leather with cruise and audio controls, navigation system that is voice activated, audio system with a six-disc CD player and MP3 player, fixed running boards, front seats that are heated, driver seat with ten power adjustments, roof rail crossbars, four-bucket seat configuration with captain's chairs in the second row and special exterior trims that include a chrome grille, and unique front and rear fasciae.
Specs:
The standard engine in the Ford Explorer 4X4 is a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine V6 that can produce 290 horsepower with cast iron block and alloy cylinder heads. The vehicle comes standard with a five-speed automatic overdrive transmission and a towing capacity of 5,395 pounds. Fuel economy for the Ford Explorer 4X4 is 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
The interior of the Ford Explorer 4X4 is covered with dark wood accents and graphics accented with both shiny and matte metal surrounds. The use of such metallic trim is not overdone. The seats are supportive and comfortable with the optional captain's chairs providing greater comfort than the fold down bench seats. The latter are more appropriate where greater cargo space is needed. The third row of seats is also comfortable and can be folded down either manually or by power.
Cargo capacity for the Ford Explorer 4X4 starts at 13.6 cubic feet when all the seats are up, then expands to 43.9 cubic feet as the third row of seats is folded down and up to 83.7 cubic feet when the second row of seats is also folded down.
Driving the Ford Explorer 4X4 is a pleasurable experience as the suspension is yielding thereby providing a smooth ride on rough roads. The chassis is about 63 percent stiffer than previous models so handling is crisp and body roll is minimal, with the feeling that the vehicle is firmly planted on the road. The cabin is also quiet, even when the air conditioning is running, and occupants are insulated from noise and vibration, with the tires running smoothly and quietly.
Need at least 6 seats. Looks like what we could use